a r t i s t : Jenny Scheinman
t i t l e : 12 Songs
d a t e : 2005
l a b e l : Cryptogramophone
g e n r e : Jazz
r l s. d a t e : Dec/2006
t r a c k s : 12
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 78,2 MB
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No one can accuse violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman of
promulgating any kind of jazz clichΘ, or even of fitting in
especially well with the rest of the Cryptogramophone label's
crew of off-kilter jazz experimentalists. Her obsession is
with songs and with lyrics -- neither of which appear on this
paradoxically titled album. The 12 compositions here aren't
actually songs, but are meant to feel like songs, by which
Scheinman means that they're intended to be clear,
straightforward, singable, and emotionally direct. This they
generally do achieve, but even when things get a bit opaque
(as on the saucy and slightly goofy "Moe Hawk" and the
meandering "Antenna") they're still emotionally compelling. On
the album's finest moments, which include a tenderly beautiful
composition titled "Sleeping in the Aquifer," which subtly
evokes the old hymn "Abide with Me, 'Tis Eventide," a gorgeous
violin-and-clarinets trio titled "Little Calypso," and the
sweet and gentle "Albert," it really does feel as if Scheinman
is sitting down and talking to you, or singing quietly into
your ear. On the brilliant "Song of the Open Road," Scheinman
and cornetist Ron Miles lock into a graceful waltz, while Bill
Frisell's guitar churns away below with controlled ferocity
and bassist Tim Luntzel thrums out an insistent pedal point.
This kind of balance between directness, intensity, and
complexity makes 12 Songs a more than usually impressive and
compelling modern jazz album. Very highly recommended.
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01-the frog threw his head back and laughed [06:09]
02-song of the open road [05:01]
03-moe hawk [06:37]
04-sleeping in the aquifer [03:16]
05-the bouy song [04:40]
06-she couldn't beleive it was true [03:59]
07-suza [05:24]
08-little calypso [03:00]
09-satelite [01:57]
10-antenna [07:31]
11-albert [03:27]
12-june 21 [04:32]
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55:33 min